AU, IGAD Welcome Ethiopia's Smooth Power Transition

The African Union (AU) Commission and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), on Monday welcomed the smooth power transition in Ethiopia and vowed to work closely with the new Prime Minister, according to a statement.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of AU Commission who congratulated Abiy Ahmed on his confirmation as the new Prime Minister of Ethiopia on Monday, welcomed the peaceful and smooth transition, calling the move as "a demonstration of political maturity."

Mahamat further reiterated AU's full support to the people and government of Ethiopia as they strive to achieve greater strides in the interest of their country, the region and the entire continent, according to the statement.

The chairperson also vowed to work closely with Ahmed towards the achievement of the objectives set in Agenda 2063, including the promotion of peace and security and the advancement of continental integration.

Mahamat is "convinced that, under the leadership of the new Prime Minister, Ethiopia will successfully meet the tasks at hand and further consolidate the remarkable social-economic progress it has made over the past two decades," according to the statement issued by the AU.

Mahamat also commended Ethiopians for their ability to mitigate recent challenges, saying that "throughout their long and proud history, the Ethiopian people have shown their ability to overcome challenges and unite in the pursuit of the higher interest of their country."

The chairperson highly praised the former Premier "for his commitment and contribution to the advancement of Ethiopia and the continent as a whole."

Similarly, IGAD congratulated Prime Minister Abiy and welcomed him as the new Chairperson of IGAD.

“IGAD commends the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) for the wise and principled election of its new Chairperson, Abiy Ahmed, who is also the Chairperson of the Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO), one of the four member parties of the Front,” the East African bloc said in a statement.

IGAD strongly believes that Prime Minister Abiy, one of the young, dynamic, and highly educated members of the EPRDF leadership is up to the mark to lead the Coalition, which has deservedly been applauded as the architect of Ethiopia’s benchmark status regarding the economic and social progress in the continent, it added.

IGAD also welcomed Prime Minister Abiy as the new Chairperson of IGAD.